Spa Spy: The Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Newbury, Berkshire

The spa Small but perfectly formed, The Vineyard is a haven of relaxation just an hour from London, amid lush Berkshire countryside. Spy was greeted by a roaring log fire, a delicious lunch and a tour of the hotel’s cavernous wine cellar (boasting 30,000 bottles from the owner’s Californian vineyard).

After sinking into her plush four-poster for a nap, she toured the nearby fields for a brisk walk and retreated to the spa for an afternoon floating among bubbles in the Jacuzzi.

The symptoms Spy was feeling bloated and unfit, having over-indulged in alcohol and rich food, and was struggling to fit into her favourite pair of jeans. Too long spent hunched over her desk had left her neck and shoulders feeling stiff and tense.

The prescription Spy was prescribed the spa’s signature detoxifying algae wrap (55 minutes, £70): an exfoliating body scrub; a self-heating seaweed wrap and a soothing head massage, followed by all-over moisturising with scented oils.

The procedure Calming music played in Spy’s candlelit treatment room, where her therapist Jade brushed her body to boost circulation and soften her skin. The algae wrap, containing spirulina and laminaria (kelp with slimming properties), was applied and Spy’s weary head was massaged with warm coconut oil.

She fell into a happy slumber, only to be gently woken for a full-body massage with detoxifying rosehip and apricot extracts.

The verdict Spy’s treatment left her feeling utterly relaxed. Her bloated stomach felt flatter, and the seaweed wrap left her thighs and upper arms looking toned and healthy. She spent the rest of the afternoon curled up in her sumptuous suite, sipping wine and buried in a good book.

Medical opinion “Spa Spy’s algae wrap is not the most aesthetic of treatments,” says Dr James LeFanu. “But its main component, kelp, is rich in vitamins and chemical iodine that reputedly draws out excess fluid from the cells and speeds up the metabolism.”

Feelgood factor An oasis of tranquillity, The Vineyard offers everything required for a weekend away from the city, from walking tours to fine wines and exquisite food, prepared by chef Daniel Galmiche.

There’s even an adjacent helipad so guests can arrive in style. Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey, is only a few miles away, as is Newbury Racecourse – if you can tear yourself from the spa.

Details Prices start from £190 for a luxury double room. For more details and to book, visit the-vineyard.co.uk or call 01635 897 627.